I didn't know this, but apparently HR has called in certain members of the team to ask them about Jack and I. And here's how I found out yesterday.

janmeyer78: i'm sorry

aohk: for what?

janmeyer78: i just got grilled by hr about you and jack, and i don't think i handled it very well.

aohk: what happened?

janmeyer78: can we go for a walk?

We were silent as we walked out of the building and started a lap around the block. As Janelle talked, her voice got shaky.

"It was awful," she said. "Jeanine was there, plus these two guys who I didn't know, Bill and Davis. I think Bill is a higher up, and I'm not entirely sure who Davis is. So they asked me about how you and Jack interact, and I told them that Jack has been super hostile to you from day one, and that it was completely unwarranted. Then the Davis guy started asking me if it was possible you two had had a relationship, and I said no. Then he asked if two theoretical people had had a relationship that didn't work out, if their behavior might mirror the exchanges between you and Jack, and I said no, but he kept pressing and I caved and then he asked if we were friends and I said we were. I'm so sorry. I think I made it worse."

"It's not your fault," I sighed. "It sounds like you didn't really have another option."

We headed back to the station, both of us pretty glum. The next couple of hours felt like years, and finally, I had my meeting with Jack and HR.

For once, Jeanine let me in on time. Jack was already there, as were two men who I rightly assumed were Bill and Davis. Jeanine explained that Bill was her boss, and that Davis was Jack's lawyer. I started to panic.

"When is your representation arriving, K.?" Jeanine asked. "We'd like to get started as soon as possible."

"I wasn't aware that I'd be needing representation for this meeting," I said, confused.

Jack smirked, and my blood started to boil.

"K., I thought I made it clear that this meeting was a mediation," Jeanine said testily.

"I think we may have had a misunderstanding," I explained. "Because I wasn't aware of that."

Bill and Jeanine exchanged a look that I couldn't decipher. Jack sat back in his chair, his eyes dancing, clearly enjoying every second of my discomfort.

If Jack was going to have a lawyer for this, then I was, too. The meeting ended without starting, and Jeanine said she'd be in touch to coordinate schedules. I guess I was naïve to think this would all be over by now.